Three weeks before the expanded 48-team World Cup begins across North America, five of football's brightest talents are nursing doubts about their readiness for the showpiece event.
Kylian Mbappe arrives at Real Madrid's expense. The 27-year-old French forward could break Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals during the tournament, but his season at the Spanish club has left questions hanging. He won no major trophy in two seasons there despite his relentless goalscoring. His commitment even drew scrutiny when he took a holiday while recovering from a hamstring injury late in the campaign. A strong World Cup run could reset his narrative entirely.
Mbappe announced himself on the global stage as a teenager in 2018 when France won the title. He scored eight goals four years later, including a hat-trick in the final, before Argentina beat Les Bleus on penalties. He needs just four more goals to match Klose's record.
Erling Haaland finally gets his chance. The Manchester City striker will taste a major international tournament for the first time after helping Norway end a 28-year absence from the World Cup. He was lethal in qualifying, scoring 16 times in eight games during Norway's flawless campaign, which included two heavy defeats of Italy. Across 49 international caps, Haaland has 55 goals. Norway handed him a brutal draw, grouped with France and African champions Senegal, so he will need to be sharp.
Vinicius Junior carries Brazil's hopes on his shoulders. While Neymar's return to the squad has captured attention, Vinicius's form will likely determine whether Carlo Ancelotti's side wins a sixth World Cup title. At club level, he shares the spotlight with Mbappe at Real Madrid, but the World Cup offers him a stage to become Brazil's national hero and claim the Ballon d'Or that eluded him. His international record is patchy, though. He scored just once in Qatar four years ago and has eight goals in 47 caps overall.
Harry Kane enters what may be his last real shot at World Cup glory. England's captain and all-time record goalscorer had a stunning season at Bayern Munich, netting 58 goals in 50 games as the club won the Bundesliga and came close to the Champions League final. Internationally, he has been the spearhead of England's rise to serial contenders, yet the nation still waits for its first major tournament win in 60 years. Kane has often been physically hampered at international tournaments, worn down by his club exertions. This time Bayern managed his minutes carefully over months, prioritising a deep Champions League run after securing the Bundesliga early. He should arrive fresher.
Lamine Yamal's recovery from a hamstring injury will determine his impact. The 18-year-old breakout star of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph has not played since suffering the injury for Barcelona on April 22. Spanish reports suggest he could miss Spain's first two group matches against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Before the injury struck, Yamal had been in scorching form, netting 24 goals in all competitions as Barcelona chased a second consecutive title. His early season slowness gave way to explosive output, and Spain will need his creativity and pace if they want to challenge in the tournament.
The World Cup begins in three weeks. Each of these five players will need to prove their fitness and form when it matters most.
